By Rev. Robert Naylor

Feel free to use this hymn whenever there is a reason to celebrate the ministry of music in your worship service.  The lyrics are original, but you can use a familiar hymn tune—the 8.7.8.7.D. The meter accommodates hymns such as Austrian Hymn, Beach Spring, Beecher, Ebenezer, Endless Song, Holy Manna, Hyfrydol, Hymn of Joy, Nettleton, and many others.  These words were inspired by a poster on my office wall at the beginning of my ministry – “One who sings prays twice”- and also to honor the church musicians with whom I have shared in ministry.

1. Music soaring to the heavens, joyous voices praying twice.

Singing, praising the Redeemer, for Christ’s loving sacrifice.

Words and music both are blended, filling hearts with ardent grace!

Lifts the lost and sinking spirits, gathered in the holy place.

2. Music soaring to the heavens, humble voices praying twice.

Being bound into one fam’ly, ready now to sacrifice.

Seeking justice for the lonely, for those in the greatest need.

All are ready through Christ’s spirit, to respect, to cloth and feed.

3. Music soaring to the heavens, future dreams do come alive.

Songs from past days echo clearly; for new visions we now strive.

Faithful people, march their mission, to be agents of God’s peace.

Onward to the blessed future, praying for the hate to cease.

4. Music soaring to the heavens, joyous voices giving praise.

For the ones who lead the music,who inspire, set hearts ablaze.

We give thanks to the Creator of life’s sacred symphony.

Let the music of the heavens ring throughout eternity.

The Rev. Bob Naylor is a Lead Consultant with In Church Imagining, a Coaching and Church Vitality resource. He has served as a Pastor in three multi-staff churches and was an Area Conference Minister, supporting the ministry of 95 mostly under-200-member churches. Bob also served on the National Staff of the UCC. In his partnership with the music directors in the churches he served, he wrote musicals and new hymns and developed creative uses of music that enhanced each church’s ministry. Bob currently lives on Cape Cod and loves his senior basketball.

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